Case Valtra
Manufacturing
Cleanliness as competitive advantage: Valtra powertrain quality assurance in Suolahti
Valtra's Suolahti factory is one of the most significant tractor manufacturing competence centers in the Nordic region. The factory's powertrain line produces transmissions used in the N, T, Q, and S series tractors. The powertrain is a critical and high-value component – one that must perform reliably in demanding operating conditions for decades.
Why cleanliness is a key factor in powertrain reliability
The powertrain transfers engine power to the wheels and implements under continuous load. Assembly-time cleanliness is therefore one of the most decisive single factors determining the reliability, performance, and service life of the finished product. Contaminant particles inside a powertrain can cause premature component wear, valve sticking, and operational faults – typically only discovered in the field, far from service points.
In high-volume production, where components arrive from multiple suppliers and the line must move on schedule, detecting deviations as early as possible is essential. During the run-in and flushing phases, lubricant cleanliness must be verified as conforming to requirements before an assembly can be approved.
Real-time particle cleanliness monitoring on the production line
Fluid Intelligence supplies Valtra with a real-time cleanliness monitoring system that tracks lubricant particle cleanliness on the powertrain line during run-in and flushing. The measurement technology is a PAMAS GmbH particle counter – a reference-grade instrument for the industry – delivering reliable, standards-compliant results directly from the process.
Results are visualized in real time in both the Fluid Eye® system and on a dedicated display positioned on the production line. Cleanliness deviations are immediately visible and can be acted on during the production stage. This real-time visibility helps ensure consistent quality and that cleanliness requirements are met before the product moves to the next phase.
All measurement results are also stored in the system with full traceability. The documented measurement history supports quality assurance, continuous improvement, and audit or customer requirements throughout the product lifecycle.
"The powertrain is a critical component in our products, and its cleanliness is an extremely important individual factor in Valtra's goal of producing ever higher-quality products that withstand demanding conditions worldwide."
Kullervo Mansikkala (Senior Manager) and Pasi Leppänen (Project Manager) - Transmission Plant, Valtra"Real-time cleanliness monitoring makes it possible to ensure consistent quality and react quickly to deviations. Cleanliness deviations in incoming components are detected before they can affect the quality of finished products."
Mikko Oksanen, Fluid Intelligence
Impact beyond the production line
The significance of cleanliness extends well past the factory floor. When powertrain and hydraulic system components are delivered to use as clean as possible, the risk of premature wear is reduced, fluid and component service life is extended, and reliable system operation is supported throughout the lifecycle. At the same time, unnecessary maintenance interventions, spare parts consumption, and material waste are reduced – contributing to more responsible, resource-efficient operations.
Read more about Valtra
Read more about Fluid Intelligence quality assurance services